Ambassador Appliances: What great customer service can do

Yesterday, Garry and I decided to go to Glorietta to buy an SLR.

We've been planning to buy one since I don't know when but when you have an "uber techie" husband, expect for the "evaluation" process to take longer than the usual.

He finally made up his mind when I told him that all I want is an SLR that works like a point-and-shoot. Nothing too fancy. As long as it serves its purpose, I will be delighted. Well, it's not for me to use. It will be used to take pictures that includes me and Gayle in them.

So yesterday was the day.

We first went to SM Appliances to check if there is already stocks of the SLR that we wanted. Unfortunately, there was no stocks. Aww men! I can't earn my "SM ADVANTAGE" points!

So we went to Park Square to check out the stores there.

The second store that we entered in Park Square was Ambassador Appliances.

Indeed, thou shall not judge the book by its cover because when you enter Ambassador Appliances, you will not think that they sell new stuff becuase it simply looked like a warehouse! My initial thought balloon read, "this is a very expensive warehouse space"! Everything was disarranged. You see computer print-outs of the items that they sell and the corresponding pricepoints. The display cabinets do not showcase any items but are used to store boxes! What is this place!

While Garry was trying to get the attention of the owner, I read in one of the print-outs that they do sell the camera that we wanted...at a lower price! The good news is, we get the better version by just adding 8K! Wow! This must be some place. So I told Garry to check-out the "upgraded" version.

So when Garry asked for the camera, the owner said that they have it and how we would like to pay. Whoa! We haven't seen the merchandise yet, how sure is she that we're really buying. Garry then asked if they accept credit cards. She asked for what card, asked us to give her the card. Asked us what payment term we want and Viola! She swiped the card.

So I told Garry not to sign yet.

He has to check the merchandise.

So he went through his routine. Checked the camera.

And signed the bill.

We have a new SLR.

But the story doesn't end there.

This afternoon, before we went out for the Barney show in Megamall, Garry said that he found a "dead pixel" in the LCD of the SLR.

A dead what?!

A dead pixel or to be more correct, you say "hot pixel". This is a pixel on the lcd that is always "lighted" thus when you take a photo of a black material, there is a spec that has a white light.

What?! The camera we got is damaged?!

OA. It's not. There are just some LCDs that really have "dead pixels" in them. But still, it's not perfect. We have to have it changed. That one small spec will forever bother me. OC!

I asked Garry to call Ambassador Appliances to inform them about it.

The owner was not there that afternoon and we were informed that she will be coming in late in the afternoon and we were asked to call back.

When we came back from Megamall, we called the store again and we were informed that the owner was not there but we just bring the SLR to them to check without giving any commitment that they will change it.

So we drove down to Glorietta again, braving the payday weekend traffic.

While in the car, I told Garry that he should not settle for anything less than a new camera to be given to him immediately because it is our right as consumers to exchange our merchandise within 7 days of purchase. Ask Mar Roxas!

I decided not to join Garry when he exchange the camera because I might not be a pleasant customer should they decline to change the item.

So while I was doing my shopping, Garry went back to Ambassador Appliances.

And after 15mins, I got a text from him saying that they're given him a new camera.

Now that's what I call great customer service.

So I texted back and said, "That's great. I will blog about this para dumami pa ang mga customers nila kahit na mukhang bodega ang store nila."

Even if I am dead tired from my long day of "relaxation", I logged on to my blog to "blog about Ambassador Appliances".

Establishments should always respect their customer's right. It is through great customer service that they get more businesses. And usually, it is with the most difficult client do you get more business...just like me.

Because of this experience, I have them in my endorsement list for the next years to come.

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should check out Ambassador Appliances for your gadget requirements:

a. They sell their products at a really low price-lower than the SRP.

Tip: Ask if you can pay using your credit card and if they have payment schemes available.

b. They give you options. You'll find in their store "crudely printed" sales sheet comparing the specs of each item.

Tip: Ask them what's the advantage and disadvantage of a specific product if you're not sure which one to get. They tell it to you.

c. They have great customer service.

Tip: Read the blog if you want to know what I mean.

Where to find Ambassador Appliances:

Park Square
Ground Level, Park Square 1
Ayala Center
Makati City
Tel. (63 2) 893-0668

Shangri-la Plaza Mall
2nd Level
EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.
Mandaluyong City
Tel. 633-9592, 633-5224